The characters combine logically: `消费 (consumption)` + `主义 (-ism)` = `消费主义 (consumerism)`.
For much of its history, Chinese culture emphasized thrift, saving, and collectivism. However, since the economic reforms of the late 20th century, China has undergone one of the most rapid societal transformations in human history. 消费主义 (xiāofèi zhǔyì) is at the heart of this change. Unlike Western consumerism, which evolved over many decades, consumerism in China exploded in a single generation, largely driven by the internet. For many young Chinese people (the “post-80s” and “post-90s” generations), it is a way to construct a modern identity distinct from that of their parents. A key cultural driver is the concept of 面子 (miànzi), or “face” and social prestige. In this context, consumerism is not just about personal satisfaction but also about social signaling. Owning luxury brands, the latest smartphone, or a foreign car is a powerful way to display success and gain status. This is amplified by social media, where one's lifestyle is constantly on display. While Westerners might “keep up with the Joneses,” the Chinese equivalent is often more public and digitally mediated, fueled by e-commerce giants like Alibaba and shopping festivals like “Double 11” (`双十一`). This has led to widespread social discussion and concern about issues like youth debt, environmental impact, and the loss of traditional values. Therefore, while consumerism is a powerful economic engine, the term 消费主义 itself often carries a critical or cautionary tone.
消费主义 (xiāofèi zhǔyì) is a formal and analytical term. You are more likely to encounter it in news articles, academic papers, documentaries, and serious discussions about society than in casual, everyday conversation.